Hydraulic line to rear brake failed (ruptured) causing immediate release of brake fluid underneath driver front floor pan at location of interest mentioned in recall/"safety improvement program". Owner was not contacted regarding notice which includes inspection of brake lines, replacement of clips (to avoid wear) and possible replacement of brake line and bleeding if needed.
1997 Ford Crown Victoria: brake failure
19 of the 288 complaints about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 13 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford crown victoria that is equipped with a police interceptor. While driving approximately 2-3 MPH the brakes failed. She applied pressure to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle but it did not stop. When the vehicle did stop in the middle of the street it had to be pushed onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised her of recall 98i001000, service brakes, hydraulic foundation, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. She called the manufacturer and the dealer who advised her that her vehicle was not part of the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The pre-owned vehicle was purchased in january 2005. The failure and current mileages were approximately 167,000.
Metal hydraulic brake lines corroded and leaking to loss of brake lines to be replaced.
Your agency has contacted me twice, concerning a brake failure on my 1997 ford crown victoria. I have located the defective brake line that you inquired about, the piece that was cut out for the repairs. This number may be associated with my compliant ea03012. I just can not remember the gentlemans name that first called me. Later an attorney called representing herself as being with your agency. Please contact me again.
Brake failure- 97 crown victoria. Brake line rubbed through by transmission crossmember- causing brakes to fail during driving. Ford motor company would not stand behind faulty line or reimburse for the repairs. Vehicle only has 36,000 miles on and should not have worn through already.
While driving my car I applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I had to pump the brakes to stop. I took it to my mechanic who found that the brake line had worn through. It cost me about $81.00 to have repaired.
This is a sheriffs' patrol vehicle. The brake line to the rear brakes rubbed the underside of the floor-board on the driver's side until it wore through. The brakes failed at this point. We have confirmed this problem on two more identical patrol units. No injuries have been reported yet but the potential is there. Brake loss is reported as spontaneous and fortunatly, in our three incidents, it has occured at relatively low speed.
The brake line that goes to the rear brakes, rubbed on the underside of the floor board until it wore through. This caused spontaneous brake failure similar to that described in two other incidents with identical vehiclesin our fleet .
Hydraulic brake line(s) rubbed against body parts causing loss of brake fluid. Dealer will not consider as a manufacturing defect. There appears to be several many complaints concerning this problem, but dealer says warranty repairs only apply to police vehicles. What about the rest of us? Referenced in rq03-004
The hydraulic line between the master cylinder and the rear brakes had a hole rubbed through where it was contacting the frame. This is was verified by the ford dealership that performed the repairs. I have the line itself as evidence. I brought this to the attention of both gregg motors and the ford customer service office and that didn't seem to alarm them. I am a mechanical engineer and feel that the line was either installed too close to the frame at assembly or it was designed without the proper spacers to keep it from rubbing. Ford customer service stated that they were unaware of this problem and that they would forward the information to the engineers. I asked if someone could get back to me and they stated this was not possible. I was charged a $100.00 deductible for the work. The vehicle is leased to my employer bergstrom, inc. Can you please investigate this problem ? I am concerned about other vehicles that may experience brake failure on the highway. I have never heard of a brake line failing after 3 years due to rubbing on the frame. There was no evidence of damage to the line or to the vehicle. I can send some digital pictures of the brake line if it helps your investigation. *ak referenced in rq03-004
Notice loss of brake fluid. Manfacture has been contacted. Please provide further informaton.
Vehicle suddenly accelerated after leaving gas station. Unable to stop vehicle in approximately 200 feet. Lost control, resultin gin a crash. 3 passengers were injured. Also, brake failure.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Abrasion of the rear brake tube near the floor pan stiffening rib and the #3 transmission cross member
- Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material...
- Addressing concerns with the brake lamp inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock on police vehicles
- All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must...
- Owner notification program 98B19-S1 - brake line wear on certain vehicles
- Some vehicles may exhibit brake squeal from the rear when braking
- The anti-lock brake system ( ABS ) may activate under false ABS conditions
- Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.
- Risk
- The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further contact and potential abrasion. If indication of abrasion or a leak is evident, dealers will repair the brake line. This campaign began on july 15, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 05V086000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
19 of 288 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria (7%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
There is 1 recall and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
Ball joint 32Overheating 27Fire or smoke 16Adaptive cruise 11Stalling 6Headlights 5
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